Land Steward

POSITION GOAL: To promote high levels of natural area conservation through the promotion of volunteer stewardship service projects and education within the Metroparks and to assist in establishing Metroparks as a community leader in natural areas management and conservation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Natural Resources Management crew in the restoration of natural areas as needed.
• Provide in-service trainings to volunteers and park staff on natural areas stewardship. 
• Work with Volunteer Services to develop volunteer programs and assignments, scheduling training, and overseeing volunteer experiences to ensure high levels of volunteer satisfaction and retention.
• Lead and provide in-service trainings to volunteer groups and staff on natural area stewardship projects.
• Develop and implement volunteer service projects, stewardship projects, and requested public programs focused on natural areas restoration and habitat improvement goals.
• Oversee natural resource enhancement projects with volunteer resources. 
• Direct the work of staff and volunteers, on volunteer stewardship projects.
• Develop and implement volunteer service projects, stewardship projects, and requested public programs focused on natural areas management and restoration.
• Plan and coordinate all aspects of stewardship projects including supplies, tools, PPE and training.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely for stewardship projects; keep accurate application records. 
• Assist the Ecological Burn Crew in various fire line assignments as needed. Maintain and communicate situational awareness during prescribed burns. 
• Assist in wildlife management programs including assisting with culling operations and public hunts.
• Maintain accurate and updated records for all habitat management activities to be entered into GIS database.
• Assist with river clean-up projects, log jam surveys and removal.
• Follow established safety procedures to prevent injury and damage to equipment. Identify and develop solutions to address safety concerns.
• Safely trailer equipment and supplies using proper load securement to project areas.
• Assist with maintenance and management of reforestation efforts.
• Maintain work areas to 6S standards.
• Perform tree felling, bucking and limbing, including removal of hazardous trees.
• Perform natural area mowing in prairie, savanna, and marsh habitats using best management practices.
• Operate motor boats and aquatic-based equipment to perform natural resources management activities in riparian, pond, and marsh habitats.
• Assist with grant implementation for stewardship opportunities
• Other Park District work related duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computers and Microsoft office software; basic hand and power tools; Park vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, trailers (landscape, cargo and equipment), dump trucks, heavy equipment,, skid steers; kayaks, power boat,, chippers, tractors, and mowers; chainsaws, brush saws, high and low pressure spray equipment, GPS

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Workweek may include weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• 40 hours per week.
• May require business use of personal vehicle.
• Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, forest fires and/or herbicides; 
• May require constant lifting up to 50 lb., frequent lifting up to 75 lb. and occasional lifting over 75 lb. with assistance. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment.
• Work locations: As assigned. May be required to travel to any area in Lucas County.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Alternates to the following position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience in natural biology, natural resources, environmental education, environmental studies or related field. 

Experience: Minimum one year experience in environmental education or natural resource management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Moderate knowledge of northwest Ohio habitats, habitat restoration best management practices.
• Knowledge of basic natural resources and land management practices.
• Ability to apply and effectively communicate in multiple settings understanding of ecosystem dynamics and interrelationships between human and natural communities to public and staff.
• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and develop innovative volunteer programs.
• Ability to work with diverse populations; adapting messages for an inclusion setting.
• Demonstrated written communication skills, public speaking ability, and training skills.
• Computer skills in current technology.
• Demonstrated proficiency in operation and maintenance of small equipment. Knowledge of the operating procedures for power equipment such as chain saws, mowers, wood chippers, tractors and skid-steers. Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills; ability to lead volunteer groups and develop and maintain positive relationships with community or corporate groups. 
• Ability to recognize and communicate safety and maintenance issue in a timely manner.
• Able to use logical and creative thought processes to solve problems.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities under time constraints and deadlines.
• Ability to assist with prescription burns within a variety of habitats including woodlands, prairies, and marshes. 
• Able to obtain and maintain the following certifications as indicated or within agreed-upon time frames:
• CPR and First Aid certification (6 months)
• OSHA 10-hour safety training (6 months)
• Metroparks Qualified Sawyer (3 months)
• Commercial Pesticide License: Core, 3a, 4a, 5. (3 months)
• Red Card Certification FFT2 firefighter and pass moderate work capacity test (2 miles, 30 min, 30 lb.) (12 months)
• CIG certification (National Association of Interpretation and Certified Interpretive Guide)(12 months)
• Complete boater safety course (6 months)
• Understanding of invasive control options and techniques. Familiarity with HACCP protocols to reduce spread of invasive species.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the safe use of herbicides: mixing, maintenance of equipment, maintaining application records and comprehension of SDS and product labels.
• Ability to utilize maps, GPS units, and smartphone applications to navigate, document management activities, locate boundaries and collect data.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer